Come September, it's "Back to Business Month"

I would like to thank my colleagues and co-sponsors of my resolution that passed unanimously on July 20, declaring September "Back to Business Month" in Anne Arundel County.

As a small business supporter, I have had the opportunity to personally get to know dozens of local business owners in our county. They are committed to their communities, their employees and their families.

The vast majority of businesses in Anne Arundel County are "small". I hope you can recognize and support them in September for "Back to Business Month."

Resolution 29-20:

RESOLUTION proclaiming the month of September in 2020 as Back to Business Month in Anne Arundel County

WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2017 County Business Patterns, 83% of the businesses in Anne Arundel County have 49 employees or less; and

WHEREAS, essential businesses have been operating at limited capacity since March 23, 2020; and

WHEREAS, non-essential businesses were closed on March 23, 2020 and remained closed until at least June 1, 2020; and

WHEREAS, over 73,000 Anne Arundel County residents have filed for unemployment; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2017 County Business Patterns further shows that Anne Arundel County has over 14,300 businesses, and that, of those businesses, 50% have less than 5 employees; and

WHEREAS, small businesses are the backbone of our local economy; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the County Council of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, That it hereby proclaims the month of September in 2020 as Back to Business Month in Anne Arundel County and encourages residents to shop locally to welcome businesses back into their communities and assist in the financial recovery of Anne Arundel County; and be it further

Resolved, That the County Council expresses its support of all local businesses in Anne Arundel County as they provide vital services and job opportunities; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to County Executive Steuart Pittman.